Cheerios: Extract from a Story

I decided to break the news over a bottle of wine; there is no need to be uncivil about these things, after all. Amber, I imagined myself saying, I loved you for twenty two years but I no longer do and I think it would be best for us to go our separate ways. I…

Extract from a story currently percolating in my mind.

I took you to Nandos on our first date. A choice I immediately regretted when you, all shy eyes and lilting perfumed breath, admitted that you were in fact, a vegetarian.   

OKOTH’S STRENGTH

It was fine rain – the sort you see, but can’t feel. The sort that makes you wonder if the clouds are filled with dust and the collar of your coat is sprinkled with ashes. The sort of rain that comes to its own in the light, compelling you to question your anatomy. It was,…

My Wife

She’s like a succubus; she gets happier as I get sadder. – Overheard

Six Word Story

Six months – no smoking! … Celebratory cigarette. ~

Curiosity Pleads Innocent

William Macmillan (sometimes called Will, sometimes Wils, but never Willy because ‘the kids will tease me!’) knew it was time for bed. The problem was – as was often the problem – he didn’t want to go bed. He was curled up by his bookshelf, reading the Complete Works of Shakespeare (unabridged) and contemplating the…

Extract: The Psycho’s Path

Twelve thirty pm. Rozman was transported by three guards and a trained Alsatian towards the recreational centre. There he was joined by Aleksandr Zolnerovich, a man with the blood of two people on his hands and their taste in his mouth. Or at least that would have been the case, had Aleksandr not been missing…

The Problem with Government

My sister’s anorexic. And In the UK, If you’re diagnosed with anorexia, And you’re a student – which she is – And if you don’t mind filling out the ridiculous amounts of paperwork, – which she didn’t – You can be granted  a laptop from the government. Like, They’ll actually take a break from scamming…

Toast

Sex & Toast.

Long Way Home

THIS IS. BARKING. Why is everybody drunk? And old? I grip my suitcase handle and try hard to steady myself. I’m basically doing a more publically accepted yoi-dachi. It’s working anyway. Ground yourself. Don’t fall over. You got this. I look up briefly to determine whether or not I can hold on to the puke-green…